The best way to make super producer Mark Burnett roll his eyes is to compare his new ABC show "Expedition Impossible" to CBS' hit reality adventure series -- you know, the one that's won a bunch of Emmys?

"Didn't I do 'Eco Challenge' like 12 seasons before 'Amazing Race' was on the air?" Burnett said referring to his slightly obscure adventure reality show that ran on the USA Network from 1995-2002. Burnett took the time out Saturday to plug his new series at an ABC summer junket in Burbank, Calif.

"No one needs to ask me that question," he said.

In spite of his adamant denial, comparisons to "The Amazing Race" are inevitable.

Like "Amazing Race," ordinary people get to do extraordinary things as they compete in challenges and race to various finish lines weekly. What sets the two shows apart is contestants on "Expedition Impossible" don't travel all over the globe. Instead, 13 teams of three must travel across the fascinatingly diverse terrain of Morocco – from the desert to the snow-capped Atlas Mountains for instance – over 10 weeks. The last team to complete the task each week is eliminated.

Burnett said a better comparison for his summer series "Expedition Impossible" would be Indiana Jones movies.

"Anyone at this table could get their asses on a taxi or an airplane," Burnett, 50, said referring to the reporters participating in his roundtable interview as possible "The Amazing Race" contestants. "Good luck trying to cross 'Expedition Impossible.' It's a whole different world. It's like a feature film." But Burnett isn't saying he doesn't like "The Amazing Race." He's just saying "Expedition Impossible" is unique. "Fine, I'm a huge 'Amazing Race' fan. I love watching it, it's great," Burnett added, letting out the last cloud of steam in his rant. "A lot of my friends are over there. But these are two different shows. "This is like a $100 million feature film. You saw the visuals. There're actually real mountains and repelling cliffs."

Team Fab 3

Burnett isn't the only one who fell in love with Morocco's stunning beauty and the obstacles it provided for each challenge. "It was completely an epic adventure," said Ryan Carrillo, one of the members on the Fab 3 team. Carrillo formed the team with attractive brother and sister duo A.J. and Kari Gibson. Other teams include a trio of former NFL players and three fishermen from Gloucester, Mass.

"Morocco is stunningly gorgeous. It has every different kind of terrain that you can imagine. It was just an unbelievable experience," Carillo said. The Fab 3 teammates also happen to be roommates who live in Los Angeles. The Gibsons are originally from Celina, Ohio and A.J. Gibson and Carrillo used to date.

"If we can get through a breakup and still live together, we can get through anything," AJ Gibson said.

"Expedition Impossible" debuts 9 p.m. June 23 on ABC and will be hosted by Dave Salmoni, adventurer, zoologist and big cat trainer.

"EXPEDITION IMPOSSIBLE" ANNOUNCES THE 13 TEAMS OF THREEVYING FOR VICTORY IN THE BIGGEST ADVENTURE OF THEIR LIVES

Show Shot on Location in the Kingdom of Morocco

ABC's exciting new summer series, "Expedition Impossible," announces the show's 13 teams of three who will find themselves racing in a fun expedition across vast deserts, over snow capped mountains and through raging rivers in the beautifully exotic, fabled Kingdom of Morocco. Each week a new stage of the expedition will be revealed to the teams. Will they crumble under the pressure of having to think clearly in the wilds of the great outdoors, or will they find a way to work together to complete the expedition? After 10 stunning legs of competition with drama, comedy and great characters, one team will cross the finish line first to claim victory. Each winning team member will receive $50,000 ($150,000 total for the team) as well a new Ford Explorer.

"Expedition Impossible," full of high adventure and human drama, premieres on TUESDAY, JUNE 21 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. Adventurer, zoologist, big cat trainer and all around risk taker Dave Salmoni hosts.

The 13 teams of three are:

CALIFORNIA GIRLSChristina Chin (24)Davis, CA Corporate PR

Brittany Smith (24)Rancho Murieta, CAAspiring Pro Golfer

Natalie Smith (25)Woodland, CATeacher/Coach

These brainy beauties not only carry the burden of being both gorgeous and smart, they also happen to be talented athletes. Christina, Brittany and Natalie met at UC Davis, where they were all recruited to compete for the Aggies. These ladies are always up for adventure and aren't afraid to get a little dirty.

THE COPSRobert Robillard (43)Concord, MAPolice Lieutenant

Dani Henderson (34)Marlborough, MAPolice Officer

Jim Vaglica (49)Billerica, MAPolice Sergeant

The camaraderie that is shared between police officers is hard to replicate anywhere else in life. The level of trust that's necessary to work together is amplified when you're putting your life in someone else's hands - which is something these three Massachusetts officers do every day, and will put to good use during their Moroccan expedition.

Hailing from the country backwoods of Mississippi, Nick, Jason and Chad are true Southern cowboys who know a thing or two about surviving. Jason has survived cancer, Crohn's disease and the West Nile Virus, and was told he would only have six months to live... three years later he's still going strong. All standing over 6'3", these athletic country boys are ready to use size to their advantage and dominate the competition.

FAB 3Ryan Allen Carrillo (36)Los Angeles, CABusiness Owner

Kari Gibson (26)Los Angeles, CAModel

AJ Gibson (30)Los Angeles, CAMortgage Consultant

Sister and brother Kari and AJ moved from small town Ohio to the big city lights of Los Angeles, and shortly thereafter AJ met Ryan. Ryan is AJ's former partner and now best friend. Together this team has a deadly combination of insanely good looks, killer smiles and innate athleticism.

THE FISHERMENGus Sanfilippo (48)Gloucester, MAFisherman

Nino Sanfilippo (43)Gloucester, MAFisherman

Joe Sanfilippo (44)Gloucester, MAFisherman

Ready to represent the storied Northeast fishing community of Gloucester, Massachusetts, Gus (the captain), Nino (the engineer) and Joe (the deckhand) are three old-school Italian fishermen with small town values and big time hearts. Bonded together by blood (Gus and Nino are brothers, Joe is their cousin), they also work side by side as crewmates aboard the Captain Dominic. They believe their experience working together under pressure and routinely risking their lives while out at sea gives them an inherent "toughness" that will help them win.

These three former NFL players met while playing football for San Diego State University. Akbar was a linebacker for the Oakland Raiders and later the San Diego Chargers. Robert also played for the Chargers as a wide receiver, and Ricky spent several seasons with the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins. They consider themselves to be hyper competitive and willing to do what it takes to win under any circumstances.

GRANDPA'S WARRIORS Dick Smith (69)Normal, ILStore Owner

Steven Smith (48)Savoy, IL Store Owner

Samantha Smith-Gibbs (23)Thomasboro, ILStore Manager

This team represents three generations of Smiths - grandfather, son and granddaughter. Patriarch Richard "Dick" Smith started the outdoor specialty store Wild Country, where his son and granddaughter are employed. Both father and son were U.S. Army Officers, served in the Special Forces and are Airborne and Ranger qualified. And although Sam may be a little prissy, she definitively has a competitive spirit.

THE GYPSIESJohn Post (25)Pensacola Beach, FL Sustainable Farmer

Taylor Filasky (31)San Diego, CAVideo Producer

Eric Bach (26)San Francisco, CA Entrepreneur

Though they're a bit wacky and lovably free-spirited, these friends take competition very seriously. Collectively they've worked, volunteered, lived in and traveled to over 40 countries. Despite their escapades, they've never been on an adventure like this, and are excited to show what they can do.

LATIN PERSUASION Dashia Imperiale (44)New York, NYFitness Instructor

Raven Garcia (30)Bronx, NYFreelance Writer

Mai Reyes (38)New York, NYManager

Excitable, determined and full of spice, these three Latinas know how to liven up any event and come fully equipped with a "win at all costs" attitude. Friends and co-workers, these ladies are a competitive force to be reckoned with.

MOM'S ARMYEllie Vanderbeck (52)Reading, PABookkeeper

Ruthie Vanderbeck (28)Reading, PARealtor

Abbie Vanderbeck (30)Norwalk, CTNanny

Eleanor is the matriarch of this family. Her daughters, Ruthie and Abbie, both served their country in the U.S. Army National Guard. Although they don't consider themselves a physically strong team, the three women are problem solvers, which may help give them a leg up in the competition.

NY FIREMENKevin Coursey (39)Belle Harbor, NYFirefighter

Rob Keiley (34)Rockaway Park, NYFirefighter

Mike Egan (34)Rockaway Park, NYFirefighter

For all the reasons you would think - the nature of their work, the risks they take, how they have to depend on each other to quite literally stay alive - Kevin, Rob and Mike consider themselves "brothers" and will always be there for each other. Competitive by nature and willing to take risks, this team will be a force to contend with.

NO LIMITSErik Weihenmayer (42)Golden, COMotivational Speaker/Writer

Jeff Evans (41)Boulder, COMotivational Speaker/Physician Assistant

Aaron "Ike" Isaacson (33)Topeka, KSSoldier

These friends stick together in good times and bad. Erik became blind at an early age, but he didn't let that get him down. In 2001 he summitted Mt. Everest. Jeff serves as Erik's "eyes in the field." He has been Erik's primary climbing guide for over 20 years and is a published author and motivational speaker. Ike is an officer in the military, earning two Bronze Star Medals, a Purple Heart and an Army Commendation Medal, among others. He has served in Iraq and Afghanistan and will deploy again to Afghanistan after completing "Expedition Impossible."

TEAM KANSASLindsey Haymond (27)Houston, TX Teacher

Kelsey Fuller (22)Overland Park, KSStudent

Mackenzie Fuller (18)Overland Park, KSStudent

These three sisters, originally hailing from Kansas, are girly and sporty. But don't let their good looks and sparkling smiles deceive you; they're also cutthroat competitors, brimming with self confidence and willing to give it their all to win. In fact, these sisters are so competitive that 18-year-old Mackenzie is missing her senior prom to compete on "Expedition Impossible."

"Expedition Impossible" was created by Mark Burnett, who also serves as executive producer with Lisa Hennessy. Both the television show and format will be distributed internationally by Mark Burnett International Distribution.

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There is one thing I can guarantee you. Just from knowing how much heart these guys have that you will never hear them utter the words “I quit” or “I can’t”. You know how on these types of shows you see some dude who inevitably backs down from some challenge because they can’t take the heat? I’d bet my life you will not see that from our boys from G-Town.

The opening is basically TAR if Phil quit as host and they decided to compromise between a regular season and a family edition and do 3 per team.If you're a TAR fan, you could point out the signature aspects of a TAR starting line right down to Dave Salmoni's version of Phil's "The world is waiting" speech.

That 15 minutes definitely didn't leave a great first impression with me. It seems like TAR: China Rush with a heaping of NBC's Lost and a touch of Survivor.